GB2513945A

GB2513945A - Air conditioning apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2513945A
Application number: GB1401594.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kenyu Tanaka; Masahiko Takagi
Original assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Current assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Priority date: 2013-02-18
Filing date: 2014-01-30
Publication date: 2014-11-12
Anticipated expiration: 2034-01-30
Also published as: CN203757955U; CN103994556B; JP6091243B2; GB201401594D0; CN103994556A; JP2014156977A; MX361062B; MX2014001942A; GB2513945B

Abstract

Air conditioning apparatus comprising a controller that controls air conditioning equipment on the basis of a set temperature and a sensible temperature computed from a first sensible temperature computed from indoor temperature and indoor humidity, a second sensible temperature computed from indoor temperature and radiation temperature, and heat dissipation ratio data based on heat dissipation rates for human beings. The heat dissipation ratio data may include a heat dissipation rate related to radiation and a heat dissipation rate related to humidity. The controller may use the heat dissipation rate data to weight the calculation of the difference between the first and second sensible temperatures in order to compute the sensible temperature. The difference between the computed sensible temperature and the set temperature may be used to control the frequency of a compressor. The apparatus may comprise a plurality of indoor and outdoor units where each outdoor unit acquires indoor temperature, humidity and radiation temperature related to an air-conditioned space which has a set discomfort threshold. The controller may select the indoor unit with the smallest load, raising the compressor frequency of the outdoor unit corresponding to the selected indoor unit.

Description

AIR CONDITIONING APPARATUS

DESCRIPTION

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning apparatus.

[Background Art]

[0002] Some air conditioning apparatus of the related art control the indoor temperature and indoor humidity while setting, as a comfort index, a sensible temperature computed by applying a detected indoor temperature and a detected indoor humidity to the Missenard formula (for example, see Patent Literature 1).

[0003] Also, some air conditioning apparatus of the related art conduct air conditioning control while setting, as a comfort index, a sensible temperature computed by applying a detected indoor temperature and a detected radiant temperature to a simple operative temperature computation method (for example, see Patent Literature 2).

[0004] Also some air conditioning apparatus of the related art control a compressor by utilizing a sensible temperature computed on the basis of the degree to which a detected indoor temperature and a detected indoor humidity influence the sensible temperature, and the degree to which a detected radiant temperature influences the sensible temperature (for example, see Patent Literature 3).

[Citation List] [Patent Literature] [0005] [Patent Literature 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2008-170025 (para. [0038]) [Patent Literature 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-99458 (para. [0037]) [Patent Literature 3] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 64-75837 (p. 4)

[Summary of Invention]

[Technical Problem] [0006] However, air conditioning apparatus of the related art (Patent Literatures 1 to 3) do not compute an accurate sensible temperature based on indoor temperature, indoorhumidity, and radianttemperature. Accordingly, even ifairconditioning apparatus of the related art (Patent Literatures 1 to 3) conduct control on the basis of a computed sensible temperature, there is still a problem of being unable to conduct an energy-efficient operation while maintaining comfort.

[0007] The present invention, being devised in order to solve problems like the above, takes as an object to provide an air conditioning apparatus capable of conducting the energy-efficient operation while maintaining comfort.

[Solution to Problem] [0008] An air conditioning apparatus according to the present invention is an air conditioning apparatus that conducts control on the basis of respective detection results for an indoor temperature, an indoor humidity, and a radiation temperature, and a set temperature that has been set. The air conditioning apparatus is equipped with a controller that controls equipment related to air conditioning. The controller computes a third sensible temperature on the basis of a first sensible temperature computed from the indoor temperature and the indoor humidity, a second sensible temperature computed from the indoor temperature and the radiation temperature, and heat dissipation ratio data in which ratios of heat dissipation rates for human beings are set, and controls the equipment on the basis of the third sensible temperature and the set temperature.

[Advantageous Effects of Invention] [0009] In the present invention, air conditioning control is conducted on the basis of an accurate sensible temperature based on an indoor temperature, an indoor humidity, and a radiant temperature by utilizing heat dissipation ratios for human beings. Thus, the present invention has an advantageous effect of enabling the energy-efficient operation while maintaining comfort.

[Brief Description of Drawings]

[0010] [Fig. 1] Fig. lisa diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an air conditioning apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a refrigerant circuit 3 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an indoor unit controller 102 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a sensible temperature calculator 131 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a table illustrating an example of heat dissipation ratios according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary control of an air conditioning apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an air conditioning apparatus 5 and an air conditioning apparatus 7 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary control of an air conditioning apparatus 5 or an air conditioning apparatus 7 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[Description of Embodiments]

[0011] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings and numerical values used in the following description merely indicate one example, and that the present invention is not particularly limited thereto. Also, the shape and size of each structural element denoted in the drawings merely indicate one example, and the present invention is not particularly limited thereto.

[0012] Embodiment 1.

Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an air conditioning apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Although details will be discussed later, an air conditioning apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1 utilizes heat dissipation ratios for human beings. Accordingly, the air conditioning apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1 conducts air conditioning control on the basis of an accurate sensible temperature based on an indoor temperature, an indoor humidity, and a radiant temperature, and thereby conducts the energy-efficient operation while maintaining comfort.

[0013] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the air conditioning apparatus 1 is equipped with an indoor unit 21 and an outdoor unit 23. The indoor unit 21 is an embedded unit provided above the ceiling of a room 41, for example, and is connected to the outdoor unit 23 via refrigerant pipes 31. The indoor unit 21 takes in the air of the room 41 from an air inlet direction 71, an air inlet direction 73, and the like. A refrigerant circuit 3 to be discussed later with Fig. 2 is formed between the indoor unit 21 and the outdoor unit 23, in which heat is exchanged between air taken in from the indoor unit 21 and the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant circuit 3 to be discussed later with Fig. 2. The indoor unit 21 blows out heat-exchanged air in an air outlet direction 75, an air outlet direction 77, and the like. Note that the room 41 is the air-conditioned space.

[0014] The indoor unit 21 is equipped with a temperature sensor 51 behind the inlet for air in the room 41, for example. The temperature sensor 51 is formed with multiple thermistors or the like, such that the resistance value of each thermistor varies according to temperature changes in the air of the room 41, for example. As a result, the temperature sensor 51 detects the temperature of the air in the air-conditioned space of the room 41. Accordingly, the temperature sensor 51 is able to measure the temperature of the air of the room 41.

[0015] The indoor unit 21 is equipped with a humidity sensor 53 behind the inlet for air in the room 41, for example. The humidity sensor 53 is formed with multiple capacitance humidity sensors equipped with an upper electrode, a lower electrode, and a moisture-sensitive polymer material, such that the electrostatic capacitance of the moisture-sensitive polymer material provided between the upper electrode and the lower electrode varies according to humidity changes in the air of the room 41, for example. As a result, the humidity sensor 53 detects the humidity of the air in the air-conditioned space of the room 41. Accordingly, the humidity sensor 53 is able to measure the humidity of the air of the room 41.

[0016] The indoor unit 21 is equipped with a radiation sensor 55 behind the inlet for air in the room 41, for example. The radiation sensor 55 is formed with a thermopile or the like, such that the electromotive force of the thermopile varies according to the amount of incident emission energy emitted from the room 41, for example. As a result, the radiation sensor 55 detects heat radiated from the air-conditioned space of the room 41. Accordingly, the radiation sensor 55 is able to measure emission energy emitted from the floor, walls, and the like of the room 41, and thus is able to measure the temperature of the floor, walls, and the like of the room 41.

[0017] Note that the temperature sensor 51, the humidity sensor 53, and the radiation sensor 55 described above merely illustrate one example, and that the present invention is not particularly limited thereto. For example, multiple temperature sensors 51, multiple humidity sensors 53, and multiple radiation sensors 55 may also be provided. Additionally, the temperature sensor 51 and the humidity sensor 53 may also be provided in the front of the air inlet of the indoor unit 21. In addition, the temperature sensor 51, the humidity sensor 53, and the radiation sensor 55 may also be provided at sites distanced away from the indoor unit 21. Furthermore, the temperature sensor 51, the humidity sensor 53, the radiation sensor 55, and the like may also be provided on part of the housing of the indoor unit 21, and provided on a side facing the room 41. Basically, the configuration is not particularly limited insofar as the temperature of air corresponding to the air-conditioned space of the room 41, the humidity of air corresponding to the air-conditioned space of the room 41, and the temperature of a floor, walls, and the like corresponding to the air-conditioned space of the room 41 can be measured.

[0018] The indoor unit 21 is equipped with an external signal receiver 61 behind the inlet for air in the room 41, for example. The external signal receiver 61 receives various signals supplied to the indoor unit 21. For example, in the case in which a terminal device 25 exists in the room 41, the external signal receiver 61 receives various signals supplied from the terminal device 25. Note that the installation location of the external signal receiver 61 is not particularly limited. For example, the indoor unit 21 may also be equipped with an external signal receiver 61 in the front of the inlet for air in the room 41. As another example, the indoor unit 21 may also be equipped with an external signal receiver 61 behind the outlet for heat-exchanged air.

As another example, the indoor unit 21 may also be equipped with an external signal receiver 61 in the front of the outlet for heat-exchanged air As another example, an external signal receiver 61 may also be provided on part of the housing of the indoor unit 21, and provided on a side facing the room 41. Basically, the installation location is not particularly limited insofar as various signals supplied from a terminal device 25 or the like existing in the room 41 may be received.

[0019] Note that the terminal device 25 is not particularly limited. For example, in the case in which the terminal device 25 is a remote control for the air conditioning apparatus 1, various signals produced as a result of setting a set temperature or selecting an operating mode via various input devices provided on the remote control are supplied to the external signal receiver 61 via various output devices. As another example, in the case in which the terminal device 25 is a smartphone or the like, various signal produced as a result of setting a set temperature or selecting an operating mode via various applications onboard the smartphone or the like are supplied to the external signal receiver 61 via a wireless communication circuit or the like (not illustrated).

[0020] Next, the refrigerant circuit 3 of the air conditioning apparatus 1 equipped with the indoor unit 21 and the outdoor unit 23 will be described. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a refrigerant circuit 3 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the refrigerant circuit 3 is configured as a result of the outdoor unit 23 and the indoor unit 21 being connected by a refrigerant pipe 32 and a refrigerant pipe 33. Note that the refrigerant pipe 32 and the refrigerant pipe 33 will be collectively designated the refrigerant pipe 31. In other words, the refrigerant pipe 31 illustrated in Fig. 1 is an abbreviated illustration of the refrigerant pipe 32 and the refrigerant pipe 33 illustrated in Fig. 2.

[0021] The outdoor unit 23 is equipped with a compressor 91, a four-way valve 92, a heat source side heat exchanger 93, an outdoor expansion device 96, and an accumulator 95. The compressor 91, the four-way valve 92, the heat source side heat exchanger 93, the outdoor expansion device 96, and the accumulator 95 are connected via various refrigerant pipes and the like. The outdoor unit 23 is also equipped with an outdoor fan 94. The outdoor fan 94 is provided beside the heat source side heat exchanger 93. The outdoor unit 23 is also equipped with an outdoor unit controller 101. The outdoor unit controller 101 controls the driving of the compressor 91, the four-way valve 92, the outdoor fan 94, the outdoor expansion device 96, and the like, and also transmits and receives various signal with a later-discussed indoor unit controller 102.

[0022] The indoor unit 21 is equipped with a load side heat exchanger 97 and an indoor expansion device 99. The indoor unit 21 is also equipped with an indoor fan 98. The indoor fan 98 is provided beside the load source side heat exchanger 97.

The indoor unit 21 is also equipped with a temperature sensor 51, a humidity sensor 53, a radiation sensor 55, an external signal receiver 61 and a transceiver 63. The transceiver 63 transmits and receives various signals with various external equipment. The indoor unit 21 is equipped with an indoor unit controller 102.

[0023] The indoor unit controller 102 controls the driving of the indoor fan 98, the indoor expansion device 99, and the like. The indoor unit controller 102 receives the respective detection results of the temperature sensor 51, the humidity sensor 53, the radiation sensor 55, and the external signal receiver 61. The indoor unit controller 102 transmits and receives various signals with the previously discussed outdoor unit controller 101, and also transmits and receives various signals with various external equipment via the transceiver 63. The indoor unit controller 102 executes various computations according to various inputs, and supplies equipment under control with various control commands on the basis of the execution results.

[0024] The outdoor unit 23 and the indoor unit 21 use the refrigerant pipe 32 and the refrigerant pipe 33 and are connected to each other via a valve 121a and a valve 121b. Note that the valve 121a and the valve 121b will be designated the valves 121 when not being particularly distinguished.

[0025] The refrigerant circuit 3 circulates the refrigerant through the compressor 91, the four-way valve 92, the heat source side heat exchanger 93, the outdoor expansion device 96, the indoor expansion device 99, the load side heat exchanger 97, and the accumulator 95. While the refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit 3, the accumulator 95 has a function of accumulating the excess refrigerant.

[0026] Equipment provided in the heat source side heat exchanger 93 discussed above will now be described in detail. The heat source side heat exchanger 93 is provided with an outdoor fan 94 as discussed above. The outdoor fan 94 is made up of a centrifugal fan or a multi-bladed fan driven by a DC motor (not illustrated) or the like, for example, with an adjustable air-sending rate. As a result of the rotation of a centrifugal fan, multi-bladed fan, or the like driven by a DC motor, the outdoor fan 94 sends air to the heat source side heat exchanger 93. The heat source side heat exchanger 93 exchanges heat between air sent from the outdoor fan 94 and the refrigerant circulating internally in the heat source side heat exchanger 93.

[0027] Equipment provided in the load side heat exchanger 97 discussed above will now be described in detail. The heat load side heat exchanger 97 is provided with an indoor fan 98 as discussed above. The indoor fan 98 is made up of a centrifugal fan or a multi-bladed fan driven by a DC motor (not illustrated) or the like, for example, with an adjustable air-sending rate. As a result of the rotation of a centrifugal fan, multi-bladed fan, or the like driven by a DC motor, the indoor fan 98 sends air to the load source side heat exchanger 97. The load source side heat exchanger 97 exchanges heat between air sent from the indoor fan 98 and the refrigerant circulating internally in the load source side heat exchanger 97.

[0028] An example of drivable equipment other than the outdoor fan 94 and the indoor fan 98 will now be described. The compressor 91 is a device that compresses the suctioned refrigerant, applies an arbitrary pressure on the basis of an operating frequency, and discharges the resultant. For example, the compressor 91 is made up of a variable-capacity inverter compressor using an inverter circuit in which the amount of discharged refrigerant per unit time is varied by arbitrarily varying the operating frequency. The four-way valve 92 is a valve that switches the route of a refrigerant pipe depending on a cooling operation or a heating operation, for example.

The outdoor expansion device 96 is a device that controls the refrigerant flow rate by adjusting the opening degree of a valve on the basis of a control signal from the outdoor unit controller 101. The indoor expansion device 99 is a device that controls the refrigerant flow rate by adjusting the opening degree of a valve on the basis of a control signal from the indoor unit controller 102. The valves 121 are made up of valves capable of opening and closing operation, such as ball valves, gate valves, controlled valves, or the like.

[0029] Note that although the case of providing a four-way valve 92 in the refrigerant circuit 3 is described, the configuration is not particularly limited thereto. The refrigerant circuit 3 may also conduct the heating operation (including air-sending operation) only, without being provided with the four-way valve 92, for example.

Additionally, the refrigerant circuit 3 may also be configured to conduct the cooling operation only, without being provided with the four-way valve 92, for example. Also, although the case of providing an accumulator 95 in the refrigerant circuit 3 is described, the configuration is not particularly limited thereto. The refrigerant circuit 3 may also not be provided with the accumulator 95, for example. Also, although the case of respectively providing one each of the outdoor unit 23 and the indoor unit 21 is described, the configuration is not particularly limited thereto.

[0030] Refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant circuit 3 will now be described.

The type of the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant circuit 3 is not particularly limited, and an arbitrary refrigerant may be used. For example, natural refrigerants such as carbon dioxide (C02), hydrocarbon, and helium, as well as non-chlorine-containing refrigerants such as R41 OA, R407C, R404A or another such substitute refrigerant may be adopted.

[0031] Fluid that exchanges heat with the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant circuit 3 will now be described. The fluid that exchanges heat with the refrigerant may be air, for example, but is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the fluid that exchanges heat with the refrigerant may also be water, refrigerant, brine, or the like.

Note that a supply device that supplies a fluid such as water, refrigerant, or brine may be a pump or the like.

[0032] Next, the indoor unit controller 102 will be described in detail. Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an indoor unit controller 102 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The indoor unit controller 102 controls the compressor 91 by computing an accurate sensible temperature and supplying various commands to the compressor 91 on the basis of the computed sensible temperature.

[0033] Specifically, the indoor unit controller 102 is supplied with detection results from the temperature sensor 51, detection results from the humidity sensor 53, detection results from the radiation sensor 55, received results from the external signal receiver 61, and the like. Additionally, compressor frequency command data is externally supplied from the indoor unit controller 102. For example, the compressor frequency command data supplied from the indoor unit controller 102 is transmitted to the outdoor unit controller 101, or transmitted externally via the transceiver 63.

[0034] More specifically, the indoor unit controller 102 is equipped with a sensible temperature calculator 131 and a compressor controller 133. Although discussed in detail later, the sensible temperature calculator 131 computes a sensible temperature on the basis of indoor temperature data given as detection results from the temperature sensor 51, indoor humidity data given as detection results from the humidity sensor 53, and radiation temperature data given as detection results from the radiation sensor 55, converts the computed sensible temperature into sensible temperature data in a predetermined format, and supplies the computed sensible temperature data to the compressor controller 133.

[0035] The compressor controller 133 computes compressor frequency command data on the basis of the sensible temperature data and set temperature data given as received results from the external signal receiver 61. For example, the compressor controller 133 computes the rotation speed needed to make the difference between the sensible temperature data and the set temperature data zero, and supplies compressor frequency command data computed on the basis of the needed rotation speed of the compressor 91 externally to the outdoor unit controller 101 illustrated in Fig. 2, for example. As a result, the outdoor unit controller 101 illustrated in Fig. 2 controls the compressor 91 illustrated in Fig. 2 on the basis of compressor frequency command data supplied from the indoor unit controller 102.

[0036] Next, the principal structural element of the present invention, that is, the sensible temperature calculator 131, will be described in detail. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a sensible temperature calculator 131 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the sensible temperature calculator 131 is equipped with a calculation unit 141 and a storage unit 143. Although discussed in detail later, the calculation unit 141 computes sensible temperature data on the basis of indoor temperature data, indoor humidity data, radiation temperature data, and heat dissipation rate data. The storage unit 143 stores heat dissipation rate data, which is a data set of heat dissipation ratios. Note that heat dissipation ratios will be discussed in detail later.

[0037] The calculation unit 141 will now be described in detail. The calculation unit 141 is equipped with a first sensible temperature calculator 151, a second sensible temperature calculator 153, and a corrected sensible temperature calculator 155. In the first sensible temperature calculator 151, a sensible temperature based on indoor temperature data and indoor humidity data is calculated as a first sensible temperature, and first sensible temperature data in a predetermined format is supplied to the corrected sensible temperature calculator 155. In the second sensible temperature calculator 153, a sensible temperature based on indoor temperature data and radiation temperature data is calculated as a second sensible temperature, and second sensible temperature data in a predetermined format is supplied to the corrected sensible temperature calculator 155.

[0038] The corrected sensible temperature calculator 155 calculates a sensible temperature on the basis of the first sensible temperature data, the second sensible temperature data, and the heat dissipation rate data stored in the storage unit 143, converts the calculated sensible temperature into sensible temperature data in a predetermined format, and supplies the sensible temperature data to the compressor controller 133 illustrated in Fig. 3.

[0039] The first sensible temperature calculator 151 will now be described in detail.

The first sensible temperature calculator 151 calculates the first sensible temperature by applying indoor temperature data and indoor humidity data to the Missenard formula in Eq. (1) expressed below.

[0040] Ti = 10-1/2.3 x (TO -1O)x (0.8-H /100) (1) [0041] Herein, Ti represents the first sensible temperature in degree C, TO the indoor temperature in degree C, and H the indoor relative humidity in %RH, respectively.

For example, in Eq. (1), the first sensible temperature Ti is calculated when the indoor temperature data is applied to TO, and the indoor humidity data is applied to H. [0042] The second sensible temperature calculator i 53 will now be described in detail.

The second sensible temperature calculator 153 calculates the second sensible temperature by applying indoor temperature data and radiation temperature data to Eq. (2) expressed below, which is a general formula for calculating a sensible temperature by taking radiation temperature as a parameter.

[0043] T2=(T0+Tr)/2 (2) [0044] Herein, 12 represents the second sensible temperature in degree C, TO the indoor temperature in degree C as discussed above, and Tr the radiation temperature in degree C, respectively. For example, in Eq. (2), the second sensible temperature T2 is calculated when the indoor temperature data is applied to TO, and the radiation temperature data is applied to Tr.

[0045] The corrected sensible temperature calculator 155 will now be described in detail. The corrected sensible temperature calculator 155 calculates a sensible temperature by applying the first sensible temperature data, the second sensible temperature data, and heat dissipation rate data to the weighted calculation formula of Eq. (3-1) or Eq. (3-2) expressed below. Note that Eq. (3-1) is a calculation formula applied in the case in which the first sensible temperature Ti is greater than the second sensible temperature T2. Meanwhile, Eq. (3-2) is a calculation formula applied in the case in which the second sensible temperature T2 is greater than the first sensible temperature Ti.

[0046] T = (ITi -T21 x (Hi /(H0 + Hi))) + T2 (3-i) [0047] T = (1T2 -Til x (HOI(H0 + Hi))) + Ti (3-2) [0048] Herein, T represents the sensible temperature in degree C, Ti the first sensible temperature in degree C as discussed above, T2 the second sensible temperature in degree C as discussed above, HO the ratio of heat dissipation rate related to radiation, and Hi the ratio of heat dissipation rate related to humidity, respectively.

For example, in Eq. (3-i) and Eq. (3-2), the sensible temperature I is calculated in the case of applying the first sensible temperature data to Ti, the second sensible temperature data to T2, a ratio of heat dissipation rate related to radiation included in the heat dissipation rate data to HO, and a ratio of heat dissipation rate related to humidity included in the heat dissipation rate data to Hi. i4

[0049] Herein, the sensible temperature T is assumed to exist in a range between the first sensible temperature Ti and the second sensible temperature T2. In addition, the first sensible temperature Ti takes an indoor temperature and an indoor humidity as parameters. The second sensible temperature T2 takes an indoor temperature and a radiation temperature as parameters. Thus, the sensible temperature T takes into account the influence that the indoor humidity exerts on the sensible temperature, and the influence that the radiation temperature exerts on the sensible temperature.

Accordingly, the ratio HO of heat dissipation rate related to radiation is taken into account in order to include the degree of radiation temperature influence in the sensible temperature 1, and the ratio Hi of heat dissipation rate related to humidity is taken into account in order to include the degree of indoor humidity influence in the sensible temperature 1.

[0050] iS Specifically, a calculation of the first sensible temperature Ti and the second sensible temperature T2 weighted by the ratio HO of heat dissipation rate related to radiation and the ratio Hi of heat dissipation rate related to humidity is performed, as illustrated in the above Eq. (3-1) and Eq. (3-2).

[0051] More specifically, Eq. (3-i) assumes the case in which the first sensible temperature Ti is greater than the second sensible temperature T2, as discussed above. Thus, a magnitude relationship of second sensible temperature T2 <sensible temperature T < first sensible temperature Ti is established. Consequently, in the case of Eq. (3-i), the formula becomes the sum of the second sensible temperature T2 and (ITi -T21 x (Hi I (HO + Hi))).

[0052] Meanwhile, Eq. (3-2) assumes the case in which the second sensible temperature T2 is greater than the first sensible temperature Ti, as discussed above.

Thus, a magnitude relationship of first sensible temperature Ti <sensible temperature T < second sensible temperature T2 is established. Consequently, in the is case of Eq. (3-2), the formula becomes the sum of the first sensible temperature Ti and (1T2 -Ti x (HO! (HO + Hi))).

[0053] Note that Eq. (3) will be used to collectively refer to Eq. (3-1) and Eq. (3-2).

[0054] Note that the sensible temperature T computed with Eq. (3) corresponds to a third sensible temperature in the present invention. Additionally, the above Eqs. (1)to (3) illustrate one example, and the present invention is not particularly limited thereto.

For example, if wind speed is detected instead of humidity, the first sensible temperature Ti may be calculated with the Linke formula expressed by Eq. (4).

[0055] T1rT04xJv (4) [0056] Herein, Ti represents the first sensible temperature in degree C as discussed above, TO the indoor temperature in degree C as discussed above, and v the wind speed in m!s, respectively.

[0057] As another example, if wind speed is also usable as a parameter, and a globe thermometer is used to measure the radiation temperature, the second sensible temperature T2 may be calculated with a formula expressed in Eq. (5) that computes an average radiation temperature.

[0058] T2 = Tg + 2.37 x Iv(Tg -TO) (5) [0059] Herein, 12 represents the second sensible temperature in degree C as discussed above, Tg the detection result from the globe thermometer, v the wind speed in m!s as discussed above, and TO the indoor temperature in degree C as discussed above, respectively.

[0060] As another example, the sensible temperature T may also be calculated by adding together the product of the first sensible temperature Ti times the ratio Hi of heat dissipation rate related to humidity, and the product of the second sensible temperature T2 times the ratio HO of heat dissipation rate related to radiation.

[006i] Also, in the case in which, instead of executing various calculations, the required parameters for various calculations are stored in association with their calculated results, a value corresponding to a calculated result may be computed with a mapping based on the correspondence relationship. In this case, when a directly corresponding value does not exist, a value may be computed by performing an interpolation process.

[0062] Note that although an example is described in which heat dissipation rate data is supplied from the storage unit i43, the configuration is not particularly limited iS thereto. For example, heat dissipation rate data may also be supplied to the indoor unit controller 102 from the transceiver 63 illustrated in Fig. 2. As another example, heat dissipation rate data may be stored in a storage medium such as semiconductor memory (not illustrated), and supplied from such a storage medium. As another example, heat dissipation rate data may be input via the terminal device 25 illustrated in Fig. i, and supplied by being transmitted to the indoor unit controller i02 from the terminal device 25 having input heat dissipation rate data. Basically, it is sufficient for the heat dissipation rate data to be available for use at the time of calculating a sensible temperature.

[0063] Note that the respective functions of the indoor unit controller 102 may be realized in hardware, or realized in software. In other words, the respective block diagrams described in the present embodiment may be considered to be hardware block diagrams, or considered to be software function block diagrams. For example, each block diagram may be realized in hardware such as a circuit device, or realized in software executed on a computational device such as a processor.

[0064] Note that although an example is described in which the indoor unit controller 102 of the indoor unit 21 is the primary agent of control, the indoor unit controller 102 of the indoor unit 21 may also be configured to only acquire required parameters in the sensing range, while the outdoor unit controller 101 of the outdoor unit 23 becomes the primary agent of control. In the case in which the outdoor unit controller 101 of the outdoor unit 23 becomes the primary agent of control, the sensible temperature calculator 131 and the compressor controller 133 may be built into the outdoor unit controller 101. In addition, the sensible temperature calculator 131 may be built into the indoor unit controller 102, and the compressor controller 133 may be built into the outdoor unit controller 101.

[0065] Next, heat dissipation ratios will be described in detail. Fig. 5 is a table explaining an example of heat dissipation ratios according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As illustrated in Fig. 5, heat dissipation rate data is set, pairing factors for the dissipation of heat with heat dissipation rates. The heat dissipation ratios illustrated in Fig. 5 are all heat dissipation rates for human beings. Note that heat dissipation rate data corresponds to the heat dissipation ratio data in the present invention.

[0066] For example, in the case of emission, the heat dissipation rate is 43.7%. As another example, in the case of conduction and convection, the heat dissipation rate is 30.9%. As another example, in the case of evaporation, the heat dissipation rate is 20.7%. For other cases, the heat dissipation rate is 4.7%.

[0067] Herein, the heat dissipation rate caused by emission means that heat is dissipated due to emitted energy, and thus corresponds to the case of the heat dissipation rate related to radiation discussed above. Also, the heat dissipation rate caused by conduction and convection means conduction and convection by the air in the room 41, and thus corresponds to the case of the heat dissipation rate related to indoor temperature discussed above. Also, the heat dissipation rate caused by evaporation means that the air in the room 41 is being evaporated, and thus corresponds to the case of the heat dissipation rate related to indoor humidity discussed above. Furthermore, the sum of the ratio of heat dissipation rate related to radiation, the ratio of heat dissipation rate related to temperature, the ratio of heat dissipation rate related to humidity, and the ratio of heat dissipation rate related to other causes is 100.0%.

[0068] Next, while presupposing the above configuration, a principal element of the present invention, that is, a sensible temperature calculation process and a compressor control process using a sensible temperature computed by the sensible temperature calculation process, will be described. Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary control of an air conditioning apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Note that the processing from step Sil to step S17 corresponds to the sensible temperature calculation process, while the processing from step S18 to step 521 corresponds to the compressor control process.

[0069] In step Si 1, the air conditioning apparatus 1 acquires indoor temperature data.

For example, the sensible temperature calculator 131 acquires indoor temperature data from the temperature sensor 51.

[0070] In step S12, the air conditioning apparatus 1 acquires indoor humidity data.

For example, the sensible temperature calculator 131 acquires indoor humidity data from the humidity sensor 53.

[0071] In step 513, the air conditioning apparatus 1 acquires radiation temperature data. For example, the sensible temperature calculator 131 acquires radiation temperature data from the radiation sensor 55.

[0072] In step S14, the air conditioning apparatus 1 computes first sensible temperature data on the basis of the indoor temperature data and the indoor humidity data. For example, the first sensible temperature calculator 151 calculates the first sensible temperature Ti by applying the indoor temperature data and the indoor humidity data to the Missenard formula in Eq. (i).

[0073] In step SiS, the air conditioning apparatus 1 computes second sensible temperature data on the basis of the indoor temperature data and the radiation temperature data. For example, the second sensible temperature calculator 153 calculates the second sensible temperature T2 by applying the indoor temperature data and the radiation temperature data to Eq. (2).

[0074] In step Si6, the air conditioning apparatus 1 acquires heat dissipation rate data. For example, the corrected sensible temperature calculator 155 acquires heat dissipation rate data stored in the storage unit i43. Specifically, the corrected sensible temperature calculator 155 acquires a ratio of heat dissipation rate related to radiation included in the heat dissipation rate data, and a ratio of heat dissipation rate related to humidity included in the heat dissipation rate data.

[0075] In step Si7, the air conditioning apparatus 1 computes sensible temperature data on the basis of the first sensible temperature data, the second sensible temperature data, and the heat dissipation rate data. For example, the corrected sensible temperature calculator 155 computes a sensible temperature T that takes into account the heat dissipation rate of human beings by performing a calculation on the first sensible temperature 11 and the second sensible temperature T2 weighted by a ratio HO of heat dissipation rate related to radiation and a ratio Hi of heat dissipation rate related to humidity.

[0076] As described above, by executing the processing from step Sil to step Si7, an accurate sensible temperature I is calculated on the basis of an indoor temperature, an indoor humidity, a radiation temperature, and heat dissipation ratio data in which the heat dissipation rate of human beings is set.

[0077] In step SiB, the air conditioning apparatus 1 acquires sensible temperature data. For example, the compressor controller 133 acquires sensible temperature from the sensible temperature calculator 131.

[0078] In step S19, the air conditioning apparatus 1 acquires set temperature data.

For example, the compressor controller 133 acquires set temperature data from the external signal receiver 61.

[0079] In step S20, the air conditioning apparatus 1 computes compressor frequency command data on the basis of the sensible temperature data and the set temperature data. For example, the compressor controller 133 computes compressor frequency command data from the difference between the sensible temperature data and the set temperature data.

[0080] In step S21, the air conditioning apparatus 1 controls the compressor 91 illustrated in Fig. 2 on the basis of the compressor frequency command data, and ends the process.

[0081] As described above, by executing the processing from step S18 to step S21, the compressor 91 illustrated in Fig. 2 is controlled on the basis of an accurate sensible temperature T and a set temperature.

[0082] Thus, in the processing from step Sli to step S21, an accurate sensible temperature for human beings present in the room 41 is included in the control parameters. Consequently, the air conditioning apparatus 1 is able to operate at a temperature that is comfortable for human beings. In addition, since control is based on an accurate sensible temperature T and a set temperature, the air conditioning apparatus 1 no longer over-cools or over-heats the room 41. Consequently, the air conditioning apparatus 1 is able to conduct energy-efficient operation. As a result, the air conditioning apparatus 1 is able to conduct the energy-efficient operation while maintaining comfort.

[0083] Note that the steps describing a program that carries out the operation of Embodiment 1 of the present invention obviously encompass processing operations conducted in a time series following the stated order, but also encompass processing operations executed in parallel or individually without strictly being processed in a time series.

[0084] From the above description, in Embodiment 1 there is configured an air conditioning apparatus 1 that conducts control on the basis of respective detection results for an indoor temperature, an indoor humidity, and a radiation temperature, and a set temperature that has been set. The air conditioning apparatus 1 is equipped with an indoor unit controller 102 that controls equipment related to air conditioning. The indoor unit controller 102 computes a third sensible temperature on the basis of a first sensible temperature computed from the indoor temperature and the indoor humidity, a second sensible temperature computed from the indoor temperature and the radiation temperature! and heat dissipation ratio data in which ratios of heat dissipation rates for human beings are set, and controls the equipment on the basis of the third sensible temperature and the set temperature.

[0085] Because of the above configuration, air conditioning control is conducted on the basis of an accurate sensible temperature based on an indoor temperature, an indoor humidity, and a radiant temperature by utilizing heat dissipation ratios for human beings. Thus, the air conditioning apparatus 1 is able to conduct the energy-efficient operation while maintaining comfort.

[0086] Also, in Embodiment 1, the heat dissipation ratio data at least includes a first heat dissipation rate, which is a ratio of heat dissipation rate related to radiation, and a second heat dissipation rate, which is a ratio of heat dissipation rate related to humidity. Additionally, in Embodiment 1, the indoor unit controller 102 computes a third sensible temperature by performing a weighted calculation on the difference between a first sensible temperature and a second sensible temperature on the basis of the first heat dissipation rate and the second heat dissipation rate, and controls the frequency of a compressor 91 from among equipment on the basis of the difference between the third sensible temperature and a set temperature. Consequently, the air conditioning apparatus 1 is able to conduct particularly the salient energy-efficient operation while maintaining comfort.

[0087] Embodiment 2.

Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in that multiple indoor units 21 and outdoor units 23 are provided, with each being cooperatively controlled. Note that in Embodiment 2, items not particularly described are similar to Embodiment 1, and the same signs are used to denote the same functions and structural elements. Also, in Embodiment 2, detailed description is omitted for functions and structural elements similar to Embodiment 1.

[0088] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an air conditioning apparatus 5 and an air conditioning apparatus 7 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. As illustrated in Fig. 7, the air conditioning apparatus 5 is equipped with an indoor unit 21-1 and an outdoor unit 23-1. The air conditioning apparatus 7 is equipped with an indoor unit 21-2 and an outdoor unit 23- 2. In the air conditioning apparatus 5, the indoor unit 21-1 and the outdoor unit 23-1 are connected via a refrigerant pipe 31-1. In the air conditioning apparatus 7, the indoor unit 21-2 and the outdoor unit 23-2 are connected via a refrigerant pipe 31-2.

[0089] The indoor unit 21-1 is equipped with a temperature sensor 51-1, a humidity sensor 53-1, a radiation sensor 55-1, and an external signal receiver 61-1. The external signal receiver 61-1 transmits and receives various signals with a terminal device 25-1 that exists in a room 41. Note that the detection range of the radiation sensor 55-1 is a sensor detection range 81-1. In other words, the sensing range utilized when computing an accurate sensible temperature in the indoor unit 21-1 is the sensor detection range 81-1. In addition, although omitted from illustration, the indoor unit 21-1 is equipped with a transceiver 63-1.

[0090] The indoor unit 21-2 is equipped with a temperature sensor 51-2, a humidity sensor 53-2, a radiation sensor 55-2, and an external signal receiver 61-2. The external signal receiver 61-2 transmits and receives various signals with a terminal device 25-2 that exists in the room 41. Note that the detection range of the radiation sensor 55-2 is a sensor detection range 81-2. In other words, the sensing range utilized when computing an accurate sensible temperature in the indoor unit 21-2 is the sensor detection range 81-2. In addition, although omitted from illustration, the indoor unit 21-2 is equipped with a transceiver 63-2.

[0091] Note that the sensor detection range 81-1 and the sensor detection range 81-2 will be designated the sensor detection ranges 81 when not being particularly distinguished.

[0092] The indoor unit 21-1 and the indoor unit 21-2, the temperature sensor 51-1 and the temperature sensor 51-2, the humidity sensor 53-1 and the humidity sensor 53-2, the radiation sensor 55-1 and the radiation sensor 55-2, the external signal receiver 61-1 and the external signal receiver 61-2, as well as the transceiver 63-1 and the transceiver 63-2 are each equipped with a respectively similarly function and configuration as the temperature sensor 51 in Embodiment 1, the humidity sensor 53 in Embodiment 1, the radiation sensor 55 in Embodiment 1, the external signal receiver 61 in Embodiment 1, and the transceiver 63 in Embodiment 1.

[0093] Note that in the indoor unit controller 102 of the indoor unit 21-1 and the indoor unit controller 102 of the indoor unit 21-2, the cooperative control described below is executed while respectively transmitting and receiving various signals via the transceiver 63-1 and the transceiver 63-2, for example. Also, the indoor unit 21-1 and the indoor unit 21-2 will be designated the indoor units 21 when not being particularly distinguished. Also, the outdoor unit 23-1 and the outdoor unit 23-2 will be designated the outdoor units 23 when not being particularly distinguished. Also, the temperature sensor 51-1 and the temperature sensor 51-2 will be designated the temperature sensors 51 when not being particularly distinguished. Also, the humidity sensor 53-1 and the humidity sensor 53-2 will be designated the humidity sensors 53 when not being particularly distinguished. Also, the radiation sensor 55-1 and the radiation sensor 55-2 will be designated the radiation sensors 55 when not being particularly distinguished.

[0094] Note that although Fig. 7 illustrates an example in which two indoor units 21 and two outdoor units 23 are respectively provided, the number of installed units is not particularly limited. Also, the numbers of installed units for the temperature sensors 51, the humidity sensors 53, and the radiation sensors 55 are likewise not particularly limited.

[0095] Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary control of an air conditioning apparatus 5 or an air conditioning apparatus 7 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Note that the processing from step S51 to step S59 corresponds to a discomfort determination process, while the processing from step S60 to step S65 corresponds to a power consumption reduction process.

[0096] The discomfort determination process is a process that determines that the air-conditioned space, that is, the room 41, is uncomfortable in the case in which the difference between a sensible temperature and a set temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined discomfort determination threshold. The discomfort determination process is executed for every air-conditioned space being managed by each of the indoor units. Thus, the state of the air-conditioned space within the sensing range of each indoor unit 21 is determined.

[0097] In the case of determining that the state of the air-conditioned space is an uncomfortable state, the power consumption reduction process causes the indoor unit 21 with the smaller load from among the multiple indoor units 21 to run, transitioning the state of the air-conditioned space from an uncomfortable state to a comfortable state. Thus, when the power consumption reduction process is executed, the indoor unit 21 with the smaller load is made to switch processes.

[0098] Note that in the configuration illustrated in Fig. 7, it is sufficient for any one of the multiple indoor units 21 to execute the discomfort determination process. For example, the indoor unit 21-1 may make a discomfort determination by acquiring sensible temperature data, set temperature data, and a discomfort determination threshold related to the indoor unit 21-1, and make a discomfort determination by acquiring sensible temperature data, set temperature data, and a discomfort determination threshold related to the indoor unit 21-2. In addition, the indoor unit 21- 2 may also make a discomfort determination by acquiring sensible temperature data, set temperature data, and a discomfort determination threshold related to the indoor unit 21-2, and make a discomfort determination by acquiring sensible temperature data, set temperature data, and a discomfort determination threshold related to the indoor unit 21-1. In either case, it is sufficient for the sensible temperature calculation process itself that computes sensible temperature data to be executed in each indoor unit 21.

[0099] Also, in the configuration illustrated in Fig. 7, it is sufficient for any one of the multiple indoor units 21 to control a corresponding compressor 91 by executing the power consumption reduction process. For example, the indoor unit 21-1 may conduct the power consumption reduction process, and in the case in which a discomfort determination flag is set in the indoor unit 21-1, a control command may be transmitted to the compressor 91 provided in the outdoor unit 23-1. As another example, the indoor unit 21-1 may conduct the power consumption reduction process, and in the case in which a discomfort determination flag is set in the indoor unit 21-2, a control command may be transmitted via the indoor unit 21-2 to the compressor 91 provided in the outdoor unit 23-2.

[0100] Also, in the configuration illustrated in Fig. 7, since the discomfort determination process is a process that conducts various calculations to set a discomfort determination flag, an indoor unit 21 that cyclically executes the discomfort determination process may be set from among the multiple indoor units 21.

[0101] Also, in the configuration illustrated in Fig. 7, since the power consumption reduction process is a process that conducts various calculations to transmit a control command to a compressor, an indoor unit 21 that cyclically executes the power consumption reduction process may be set from among the multiple indoor units 21.

[0102] In other words, in the case in which multiple indoor units 21 exist, as long as the required parameters are acquired for the individual sensing ranges of the respective indoor units 21, any equipment may be the primary agent for the various subsequent processes. Note that although an example is described in which the indoor unit 21 is the primary agent of control, the indoor unit 21 may also be configured to only acquire required parameters in the sensing range, while the outdoor unit controller 101 of the outdoor unit 23 executes the discomfort determination process and the power consumption reduction process.

[0103] In step S51, the air conditioning apparatus 5 or the air conditioning apparatus 7 determines whether or not multiple indoor units 21 exist. The air conditioning apparatus 5 or the air conditioning apparatus 7 proceeds to step S52 in the case in which multiple indoor units 21 exist. On the other hand, the air conditioning apparatus or the air conditioning apparatus 7 ends the process in the case in which multiple indoor units 21 do not exist.

[0104] In step S52, the air conditioning apparatus 5 or the air conditioning apparatus 7 executes the sensible temperature calculation process. The sensible temperature calculation process is the process from step Sil to step S17 described earlier in Fig. 6.

[0105] In step 553, the air conditioning apparatus 5 or the air conditioning apparatus 7 acquires sensible temperature data.

[0106] In step S54, the air conditioning apparatus 5 or the air conditioning apparatus 7 acquires set temperature data.

[0107] In step 555, the air conditioning apparatus 5 or the air conditioning apparatus 7 acquires a discomfort determination threshold. The discomfort determination threshold is a threshold set in advance, prior to the discomfort determination process.

[0108] In step S56, the air conditioning apparatus 5 or the air conditioning apparatus 7 computes the difference between the sensible temperature and the set temperature.

[0109] In step 557, the air conditioning apparatus 5 or the air conditioning apparatus 7 determines whether or not the difference between the sensible temperature and the set temperature is equal to or greater than the discomfort determination threshold.

The air conditioning apparatus 5 or the air conditioning apparatus 7 proceeds to step 558 in the case in which the difference between the sensible temperature and the set temperature is equal to or greater than the discomfort determination threshold. On the other hand, the air conditioning apparatus 5 or the air conditioning apparatus 7 proceeds to step S59 in the case in which the difference between the sensible temperature and the set temperature is not equal to or greater than the discomfort determination threshold.

[0110] In step S58, the air conditioning apparatus 5 or the air conditioning apparatus 7 sets the discomfort determination flag of the corresponding indoor unit 21 to 1.

[0111] In step S59, the air conditioning apparatus 5 or the air conditioning apparatus 7 determines whether or not there exists an indoor unit 21 that has not computed a difference between the sensible temperature and the set temperature. The air conditioning apparatus 5 or the air conditioning apparatus 7 returns to step S52 in the case in which there exists an indoor unit 21 that has not computed a difference between a sensible temperature and a set temperature. On the other hand, the air conditioning apparatus 5 or the air conditioning apparatus 7 proceeds to step 860 in the case in which there does not exist an indoor unit 21 that has not computed a difference between a sensible temperature and a set temperature.

[0112] As described above, as a result of executing the processing from step S51 to step S59, it is possible to identify an indoor unit 21 whose air-conditioned space under control is in an uncomfortable state.

[0113] In step S60, the air conditioning apparatus 5 or the air conditioning apparatus 7 determines whether or not the logical OR of multiple discomfort determination flags is 1. The air conditioning apparatus 5 or the air conditioning apparatus 7 proceeds to step S61 in the case in which the logical OR of multiple discomfort determination flags is 1. On the other hand, the air conditioning apparatus 5 or the air conditioning apparatus 7 ends the process in the case in which the logical OR of multiple discomfort determination flags is not 1.

[0114] In step S61, the air conditioning apparatus 5 or the air conditioning apparatus 7 computes the load of each air conditioning apparatus. For example, in the case illustrated in Fig. 7, the load of the air conditioning apparatus 5 and the load of the air conditioning apparatus 7 is calculated.

[0115] In step S62, the air conditioning apparatus 5 or the air conditioning apparatus 7 ranks each air conditioning apparatus by load. For example, in the case in which the load on the air conditioning apparatus 5 is greater compared to the load on the air conditioning apparatus 7, the air conditioning apparatus 5 is set to the first rank, while the air conditioning apparatus 7 is set to the second rank.

[0116] In step S63, the air conditioning apparatus 5 or the air conditioning apparatus 7 selects the air conditioning apparatus with the smaller load compared to the air conditioning apparatus with the largest load. For example, in the above case, the air conditioning apparatus with the largest load is the air conditioning apparatus 5. The air conditioning apparatus with the smaller load compared to the air conditioning apparatus 5 is the air conditioning apparatus 7. Thus, the air conditioning apparatus 7 is selected.

[0117] In step S64, the air conditioning apparatus 5 or the air conditioning apparatus 7 computes compressor frequency command data on the basis of the difference between the sensible temperature and the set temperature of the indoor unit in which the discomfort determination flag is set. For example, in the case in which the discomfort determination flag is set in the indoor unit 21-1, the air conditioning apparatus 5 or the air conditioning apparatus 7 calculates compressor frequency command data on the basis of the difference between the sensible temperature data and the set temperature data retained by the indoor unit 21-1.

[0118] In step S65, the air conditioning apparatus 5 or the air conditioning apparatus 7 controls the compressor 91 of the selected air conditioning apparatus on the basis of the compressor frequency command data, and ends the process. For example, in the above example, since the air conditioning apparatus 7 is selected, the compressor 91 provided in the air conditioning apparatus 7 is controlled.

[0119] As described above, by executing step S60 to step S65, processing is distributed to the air conditioning apparatus on the side of the smaller load.

[0120] Note that the steps describing a program that carries out the operation of Embodiment 2 of the present invention obviously encompass processing operations conducted in a time series following the stated order, but also encompass processing operations executed in parallel or individually without strictly being processed in a time series. In addition, in the above process, the discomfort determination flag is merely described as an example of identifying the indoor unit 21 on the side whose air-conditioned space is determined to be in an uncomfortable state, and the configuration is not particularly limited thereto.

[0121] From the above description, in Embodiment 2, there is configured an air conditioning apparatus 5 or an air conditioning apparatus 7 provided with multiple outdoor units 23 and indoor units 21, wherein each of the indoor units 21 acquires detection results for each of an indoor temperature, an indoor humidity, and a radiation temperature related to an assigned air-conditioned space. A discomfort determination threshold that determines whether or not each air-conditioned space is in an uncomfortable state is set in advance, and for each air-conditioned space, an indoor unit controller 102 determines that the air-conditioned space is in an uncomfortable state and controls the frequency of a compressor 91 in the case in which the difference between a third sensible temperature and a set temperature is equal to or greater than the discomfort determination threshold. In addition, in Embodiment 2, in the case in which an air-conditioned space is in an uncomfortable state, the indoor unit controller 102 selects the indoor unit 21 with the smaller load from among the respective indoor units 21, and raises the frequency of the compressor 91 provided in the outdoor unit 23 corresponding to the selected indoor unit 21. Additionally, in Embodiment 2, the indoor unit controller 102 selects the indoor unit 21 with the smaller load in order. Consequently, a particularly salient reduction in overall power consumption is possible.

[Reference Signs List] [0122] 1, 5, 7: air conditioning apparatus, 3: refrigerant circuit, 21, 21-1, 21-2: indoor unit, 23, 23-1, 23-2: outdoor unit, 25, 25-1, 25-2: terminal device, 31, 31-1, 31-2, 32, 33: refrigerant pipe, 41: room, 51, 51-1, 51-2: temperature sensor, 53, 53-1, 53-2: humidity sensor, 55, 55-1, 55-2: radiation sensor, 61, 61-1, 61-2: external signal receiver, 63, 63-1, 63-2: transceiver, 71, 71-1, 71-2, 73, 73-1, 73-2: air inlet direction, 75, 75-1, 75-2, 77, 77-1, 77-2: air outlet direction, 81, 81-1, 81-2: sensor detection range, 91: compressor, 92: four-way valve, 93: heat source side heat exchanger, 94: outdoor fan, 95: accumulator, 96: outdoor expansion device, 97: load side heat exchanger, 98: indoor fan, 99: indoor expansion device, 101: outdoor unit controller, 102: indoor unit controller, 121, 121a, 121b: valve, 131: sensible temperature calculator, 133: compressor controller, 141: calculation unit, 143: storage unit, 151: first sensible temperature calculator, 153: second sensible temperature calculator, 155: corrected sensible temperature calculator